Dr. David S Brown

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Oral Hygiene Needs

Most people know it is very important to brush twice a day, for at least two minutes each time, but many of us don’t really think about their choice of toothbrush. It’s all too easy to go into the nearest chemist or supermarket, and to simply choose the same brand as you’ve always used, or to go for the one on special offer, but is this necessarily the best? While you might have struck it lucky, and may already be using the perfect brush for your needs, it is worth while giving the matter some thought, as having the right tools for the job is an easy way to help perfect your oral hygiene Leeds routine, and to help lessen your chances of requiring any extensive dental work at Leeds City Dentalcare.

Things to Look Out for When Choosing your Toothbrush

Size of the brush head. The perfect sized brush should be one you can easily use on all your tooth surfaces, even right at the back of the mouth. Choosing a bigger brush head won’t necessarily help you get the job done any faster, but will almost certainly mean you can’t reach all your tooth surfaces. If you have a particularly small mouth then you may even want to choose a child-sized brush; it really doesn’t matter if it gives you greater access.
Type of bristles. Most people will be better off choosing a toothbrush with softer bristles, especially if they are prone to scrubbing hard at their teeth. Using a hard or medium bristled brush won’t clean teeth any more effectively, but could cause damage to the teeth and gums. Our Leeds dental surgery does see a number of patients who have brushed their teeth too vigorously, causing the gum tissue to recede. It is also best to look for a brush that has rounded bristles as this will be more comfortable and safer to use.

Electric or Manual

Our dentist Leeds at Leeds City Dentalcare are often asked which is best, an electric or manual toothbrush? The truth is that the choice is down to personal preference and good technique. If you prefer to use a manual toothbrush and have a very good brushing technique then you should be able to adequately remove the build-up of plaque bacteria from your teeth and gums. A review looked at nearly thirty different studies on whether it was better to use a manual or electric toothbrush, and concluded there was little difference between them, although oscillating toothbrushes could prove slightly more effective than a manual brush. These are the brushes where the bristles move round and round and back and forth.

However anyone who finds it difficult to hold a manual toothbrush, or who has problems with their dexterity may want to think about investing in an electric toothbrush. They can also include a number of useful features such as built in timers which let you know when it is time to move onto the next section of your mouth, and sensors that let you know if you are scrubbing too hard. Ultimately it is your choice, and an electric brush can be a bit of an investment.

If you’d like more tips on how to brush properly, or how to improve your oral hygiene routine then please do ask one of our hygienists for advice when you next visit Leeds City Dentalcare, or you can always talk to Dr David Brown or another of our dentists about your dental needs.

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

Methods of Replacing Missing Teeth

It is distressing to have missing teeth, but it’s also important to replace them in some way or other. The reason for this is that otherwise the teeth adjacent to the gap will begin to drift into the space, while the teeth in the opposing jaw may move downwards as they have nothing to bite against to hold them in place.

This can lead to problems in your bite, and may need to unsightly gaps developing. Once the teeth do begin to move around it’s quite difficult to correct them, so it’s obviously better to replace teeth soon after they are lost. Another problem is that missing teeth can create extra pressure on the remaining teeth whenever you bite or chew, and this could lead to them fracturing or chipping. If you are missing quite a few teeth then you’ll probably notice that your face has changed shape. This is because teeth have an important part to play in supporting your cheeks and lips, and having a full complement of teeth can create a more youthful appearance!

Our dentist Leeds has several different options available to replace teeth, and the solution may depend on the location of the tooth, your budget, and your general health. It’s something Dr David Brown will discuss with you when you visit Leeds City Dentalcare for an initial consultation. Your options include a partial denture, a bridge, or an implant.

Partial Dentures, an Affordable and Easy Solution to Replacing Missing Teeth

The easiest way to replace a missing tooth or teeth is to have a partial denture. This is where a false tooth or teeth are supported on a gum coloured acrylic base. It’s quite likely the acrylic base will be strengthened with a metal alloy, and the partial denture may be held in place with metal clasps that fit around your remaining teeth. Its affordability is one of the main advantages of this type of replacement, but healthy teeth may need to be modified to accommodate the clasps, and some people find it uncomfortable to wear a partial denture. Others worry it could move about or affect eating and speaking.

Replacing Teeth with a Bridge

Another popular method is to replace the missing teeth with a bridge. The missing tooth is replaced with a false tooth called a pontic which is anchored to one or two crowns. These crowns fit over the teeth adjacent to the gap, and mean healthy teeth need to be ground down to create sufficient space for the crown or crowns. The fact they are permanently cemented in place is a bonus, and modern materials such as all ceramic bridges can look extremely natural and are very strong.

Replacing Missing Teeth with an Implant

While both of the above methods are suitable for just about anybody, dental implants are slightly different as it’s necessary to be in good oral and general health and to have sufficient bone density and mass to support the implant. This option can also seem slightly more expensive, but is also a long-term solution and might ultimately prove to be more cost effective. One of the major advantages of choosing dental implants Leeds over the previous two methods is that it doesn’t require the destruction of any healthy tooth structure, and in fact it’s more likely to help maintain bone density. It is by far the most natural way of replacing a missing tooth, as the titanium post replicates a tooth root, stimulating the bone in that area, making sure it doesn’t reabsorb.

When you visit our Leeds surgery for a consultation we will discuss all these options with you, helping you to choose the method most suitable for you. Ultimately of course it is your choice.

Dr. David S Brown

Choosing Clearstep Braces

In the past orthodontics treatment was always for children and teenagers, and it was rare to see adults wearing braces, especially as they used to be so visible. Nowadays modern braces are designed to be virtually invisible, and are the perfect solution for adults who didn’t get the chance to have orthodontic treatment when they were kids. Leeds City Dentalcare offers a range of different orthodontic options, one of which is the Clearstep system.

The system consists of several different methods of straightening teeth, depending on the exact problem. One of the most popular solutions is to choose a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually move the teeth into the correct position. These aligners look a little like night guards or mouthguards and are designed to fit perfectly over the teeth. Each new set of aligners will gradually move the teeth a little further into the correct position, until they are in a more cosmetically pleasing arrangement.

This system is very good for people who don’t have any major problems with the way they teeth meet together, but who do want their teeth to be arranged in a more regular manner. These types of aligners generally need to be worn for 22 hours a day, but can be taken out for cleaning, and while brushing and flossing.

Advantages of Clear Aligners

One of their major advantages, other than the fact that there are invisible is the fact that they are extremely hygienic. In the past people wearing old-fashioned braces with metal wires, elastics and metal brackets had a great deal of difficulty cleaning their teeth properly, and often needed to devote huge amounts of time to flossing and brushing after every meal. Failure to do so put them at risk of developing gum disease, or having unsightly stains left on the teeth after the brackets were finally removed. In comparison today’s new systems can not only achieve results more quickly, but at much less risk of leaving the patient with other dental problems.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Obviously some people won’t achieve the best results with this system, but Clearstep does offer several different types of braces. More complex cases may benefit from the use of clear ceramic braces that are bonded to the front of the teeth. These are highly efficient and offer fast results, and the ceramic braces are virtually invisible. Another type of brace offered as part of the system is bonded to the back of the teeth, so once again it’s just about invisible.

Clearstep braces combine the very best of traditional orthodontics with cutting-edge technology. Dr. David Brown or another dentist Leeds at our Leeds surgery will be able to discuss the best system for your needs at your initial consultation.

Advantages of Having Straighter Teeth

If you’ve ever thought orthodontics Leeds was all about creating a more cosmetically pleasing effect, then think again. Having straighter teeth could help improve your oral health. This is because straighter teeth are far easier to keep clean, and if your mouth is substantially overcrowded you’ll find it much easier to floss properly after having orthodontic treatment. This can decrease the risk of tooth decay, and is likely to lead to better gum health. This is extremely important as periodontal disease is a very common condition, and has the potential to be very serious.

Dr. David S Brown

Are You Afraid of the Dentist? We Can Help

It’s quite common for many people to feel a little bit of apprehension about visiting our dental surgery in Leeds, even though we’re all very friendly! It’s estimated approximately three quarters of the population feel slight anxiety about dental appointments, but another 10 to 15% are so anxious they actively avoid dental treatments, and many choose to put up with considerable dental pain rather than to ask for help. Dental fear is something we take very seriously here at Leeds City Dentalcare, as the implications can affect far more than just your mouth.

People who haven’t seen the dentist for a while, and who know their teeth are in poor condition are more likely to avoid social situations due to embarrassment about the way their teeth look, and may even have to avoid certain foods due to difficulties in chewing. This not only makes it more difficult to achieve a balanced diet, but can affect overall health. The connection between oral health and general health is becoming increasingly well studied, and has been linked to a number of serious health conditions including diabetes and heart disease.

Why do People Become Afraid of the Dentist?

Dental fear is something of a learned behaviour, so for example if your parents were afraid of visiting the dentist they are likely to have passed at least some of this fear on to you. It can also be as a result of having a bad experience in the dental chair, especially if this happens when you’re a child. Other people simply hate the loss of control they feel when they’re in the dental chair.

The trouble is that these feelings can escalate, and can result in even the mere mention of the dental appointment creating what’s called an ‘automatic fear response.’ You might find the thought of visiting the dentist makes you feel sick or that it brings you out in a cold sweat. One way to move past these feelings is to replace the bad experiences with good experiences, and we’d certainly hope that every visit to our Leeds surgery will be positive.

You’ll Find a Sympathetic Reception at Leeds City Dentalcare

We realise some people find it extremely difficult to come and see us, but would like to reassure these patients that we are extremely sympathetic towards dental fear. Dr. David Brown and all of our dentists are used to treating people who haven’t seen the dentist Leeds for a while due to their fears. You’ll find we won’t judge you in any way, but simply want to help you overcome your anxiety so you can receive any dental care that’s necessary.

The first step is simply to let us know how you feel when you visit our Leeds surgery. You’ll find we are willing to listen to all your concerns, and will take the time to explain treatments and to answer any questions you may have. Your first appointment will only be for an examination, and is a chance for you to meet the dental team, and to start feeling more comfortable in our Leeds surgery. At this stage we’ll discuss any dental problems you may have, and how we’re going to plan treatments.

We’ll make sure you’re comfortable during treatments and that you know you can stop at any time as you’re always in control. We’ve successfully treated patients who haven’t seen the dentist for decades. Dr David Brown and the dental team here at Leeds will make sure your treatment proceeds at a pace you’re comfortable with, so you leave our surgery with a happier and healthier smile.

Dr. David S Brown

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease, and it’s an inflammatory condition caused by the build-up of plaque bacteria. It’s something that should be taken extremely seriously, not least because it’s the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults in the world. It’s something that affects many people to some degree or other. The early stages can be easy to miss, but common symptoms include noticing you have bad breath, or that your teeth look at little longer than before. This is because the disease causes gum tissue to recede and pull away from the teeth. By this stage you may notice pockets developing around the base of your teeth, and these can become infected and full of bacteria. At its very worst periodontal disease can result in destruction of the bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss.

This condition is something we really want all our patients at Leeds City Dentalcare to avoid. While the early stages of periodontal disease (gingivitis) are relatively easy to treat, the advanced stages can often be chronic, meaning it’s something we can only keep in check but cannot cure completely.

Treatments for Periodontal Disease

One of the most commonly used treatments for periodontal disease is scaling and planning. This is a deep cleaning treatment that helps to remove the infection from around the teeth. It’s an excellent treatment as scaling removes all the calculus or tartar from just above and below the gum line. Planning removes any rough spots from the exposed tooth root as these are common areas where bacteria can gather. Smoothing off the tooth root helps to make it more difficult for them to gather in this area in the future. If your teeth are quite infected then we may need to spread this treatment over several appointments and at Leeds surgery.

Sometimes we may suggest medication to enhance the effects of scaling and root planning, and to help kill off bacteria. The medication is given in tablet form, but may be placed topically into the pockets around the teeth after scaling and planning. If your teeth have been very badly affected then you might need surgery to help repair the gums, or to help regenerate bone and tissue lost to this disease.

Who is Most at Risk of Developing Periodontal Disease?

Some people are definitely more at risk of developing this condition, and if you fall into one of these categories then it’s well worth taking extra care of your oral health. People at risk include:

Smokers, as smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with periodontal disease. Smoking also makes it more difficult for tissues to heal after treatment, as it constricts the blood supply so the body is less able to transport essential nutrients to damaged areas.

Pregnant women or women undergoing hormonal changes can be more susceptible towards gingivitis as hormones can increase the sensitivity of the gum tissue.

People on certain types of medications may be more susceptible towards periodontal disease, especially if they slow the production of saliva. Saliva has a protective effect as it helps to wash away excess bacteria, so if insufficient quantities are produced than the mouth is more vulnerable towards infections including periodontal disease.

Diabetics are more susceptible towards developing periodontal disease, as this condition can suppress their immune system making it less able to fight off infection.

As you can see treatment for periodontal disease in Leeds can be quite extensive, and we’d really like to help you avoid the need for it. If it’s been a while since you attended our Leeds surgery for a check-up and cleaning, or if you fall into one of the higher risk groups then it’s definitely worth your while making an appointment just so we can check you haven’t got any early symptoms of periodontal disease.

Dr. David S Brown

Replacing Missing Teeth with Partial Dentures

A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth, and usually consists of the replacement tooth being attached to a pink gum coloured acrylic base. Some partial dentures may have metal framework made out of cobalt chrome alloy. The advantage of this material is that it is very light and strong, so the framework can be very thin. This can feel less obtrusive in the mouth, and many of our patients at Leeds City Dentalcare find them easier to get used to as they can feel quite natural.

Choosing the Best Partial denture for your Needs

We do have quite a few different dentures available, and the exact choice can depend on how many teeth need replacing, their location, and how much you wish to spend. Some choices are more budget conscious while others are for people who want the very best aesthetic results.Dr David Brown or another of our dentists will discuss which type is most suitable for your needs.

How Long Does it Take for a Partial Denture to be Made?

The exact length of time taken to fabricate a partial denture in Leeds can vary, but generally takes approximately 6 weeks and will require several appointments at our Leeds surgery.

The process involves taking impressions of your mouth which are then used to construct accurate models. The dental laboratory uses these models to create wax bite rims that will be used by one of our dentists to take exact measurements of how your jaws relate to one another.

These dimensions are then used by the dental laboratory to fabricate your denture. If you are having a cobalt chrome substructure, then this will be cast up first and is used to construct a wax try in of the partial denture. The wax try in uses the same teeth that will be on the final finished denture so you’ll have a very good idea of how it will look and feel.

At this stage Dr David Brown or whomever is constructing your denture for you will try it in and make sure the shape and fit look good. Once this stage is completed then the denture is sent back to the laboratory for processing. This is where the wax is replaced with a strong acrylic base. The final step is to have it fitted at Leeds City Dentalcare and for any final adjustments to be made. Your new denture may feel a little strange at first, and you might find it slightly uncomfortable. It’s not uncommon to require a few adjustments initially to get the fit exactly perfect.

Caring for Your New Partial Denture

It’s important to keep your new denture clean, and to brush it every day using a soft denture brush and either dish soap or a proprietary denture cleaner. You shouldn’t use toothpaste on your denture as it is too abrasive and will damage it, as will any beach-based cleaning solution. Very hot water should never be used to clean your partial denture, as it could cause it to warp. Soaking your denture overnight in a proprietary denture cleaner will help freshen it up, or you may wish to store it in a little clean, fresh water. If you do happen to break your partial denture then please contact dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare and we will arrange for it to be mended. Please don’t try to mend it yourself, especially with superglue as this will damage your denture.

Dr. David S Brown

Having a Root Canal at Leeds City Dentalcare

Root canal treatments are something people seem to associate with a lot of pain and discomfort, but in fact this shouldn’t be the case. This conservative dental treatment is designed to save teeth that would previously have needed extraction, and most people shouldn’t feel any more discomfort than having a filling. All our dentists in Leeds at Leeds City Dentalcare are highly experienced at carrying out a root canal therapy, and we have the very latest facilities to treat infected teeth with the minimum of fuss.

Why Might I Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal treatment is necessary if the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. This is the central part of the tooth that contains all the nerves, but if it becomes exposed, either due to decay or trauma, then there is a strong possibility it could become infected. One of the earliest signs that something is amiss is noticing your tooth has begun to throb, or that it feels very painful whenever you bite or chew. At this stage your best course of action is to make an appointment with Dr David Brown or another of our dentists for a full diagnosis, even if the pain seems to subside. This is because leaving an infected tooth untreated means the nerves will eventually die, and you could be at risk of developing access underneath the affected tooth. Anyone who has ever had an abscess will tell you it can be incredibly painful, and it never happens at a convenient time.

What is involved in Root Canal Therapy?

You’ll need to visit our Leeds surgery for a full diagnosis, and we’re likely to want to take x-rays of the affected tooth so we can see exactly what’s going on. The next stage is to open up the infected tooth so the pulp can be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned. If the infection is substantial then we may place a topical medication into the cleaned out pulp chamber to help eliminate any bacteria, or we may prescribe you a course of antibiotics. Once we’re happy all the infection is cleared up then you’ll be able to have the tooth restored to full function. Sometimes we might place a post in the tooth to help give the remaining tooth structure strength before fitting a dental crown over the top. Sometimes it may only be necessary to place a filling. Although it may require several visits to our Leeds surgery for treatment to be completed, root canal therapy really is an excellent way of saving teeth. Most cases of root canal treatment are extremely successful, but occasionally the infection may recur, or the remaining tooth structure could fracture in which case the tooth will need retreating or you may need to consider another course of action.

Is There Any Way to Prevent the Need for Root Canal Therapy?

Leeds City Dentalcare always advocates preventative dental care. Visiting our dental surgery at regular intervals for checkups and professional cleanings is the best way to help prevent the need for root canal in Leeds. This is because any signs of tooth decay will be picked up quickly and can be treated by filling the tooth. Early treatment will hopefully prevent the decay from reaching the pulp area of the tooth, and will prevent the nerves from becoming infected, and you won’t have to suffer the pain of a dental abscess.

Dr. David S Brown

What are Full Dentures?

Full dentures are a way of replacing an entire arch of upper or lower teeth and are removable.In the past it was immediately obvious if someone was wearing a set of dentures, but nowadays modern materials and denture teeth can look incredibly natural. This is especially true if you choose our top-quality teeth that are made by Ivoclar in Liechtenstein Dentures are an efficient and cost-effective way of replacing teeth in a relatively short timeframe. However their construction will require several visits to our Leeds dental surgery.

The Procedure for Having a Set of Full Dentures

The first step is to remove any existing teeth you may have, and many of our patients fear we are going to leave them without any means of eating or speaking. In fact we will provide you with an immediate denture which is merely a temporary measure to allow your gums to heal sufficiently, enabling us to construct a proper denture. This healing process is necessary, as your gums will change shape during this time.

Once your gums have healed then we’ll begin by taking an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to our laboratory so they can fabricate a special tray. This is very similar to an impression tray, but is designed to fit your mouth more accurately, and is used to take a second impression.

This impression is used to make a model of your mouth, and the dental laboratory will construct a set of wax rims. Dr David Brown, or another of our dentists here at Leeds City Dentalcare use these rims to records a precise set of measurements in your mouth.

These will be used by the dental laboratory to make sure your new denture has the correct dimensions so it is both natural looking and functional. They will begin by making your denture out of wax, but using the actual denture teeth. The beauty of this is that it allows any minor adjustments to be made very easily. This wax try-in is sent back to Leeds City Dentalcare so both you and your dentist can see how the denture will look. Sometimes it may be necessary for the denture to be sent back to the laboratory for some adjustments. Once you are happy with the appearance, and the way the denture feels then it’ll be returned to the laboratory for processing in acrylic.

The final step is to have your denture in Leeds fitted. If this is your first full denture then it’ll probably feel pretty strange initially, and you need to be prepared to spend a little bit of time getting used to it. It’s likely it will require some minor adjustments to make it fit perfectly, and we may request you return to our Leeds surgery a few days after your fitting.

At first you may find it quite difficult to eat and speak, and many people find it helpful to stick to eating soft foods for the first few days, and to practice chewing on both sides at once as this helps keep the denture more stable. In a surprisingly short while they should feel just like your own teeth, and a well-made denture can help create a more youthful appearance. It’s still important to schedule regular checkups with our dentist Leeds, even if you don’t have any teeth remaining as will still want to screen you for any other signs of disease. You should bring your denture with you at every appointment so we can check the fit and function. Dentures generally need replacing every 3 to 6 years as the shape of your gums will gradually change over this period.

Dr. David S Brown

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an incredibly common condition, and is the major cause of tooth loss throughout the world. You may also hear gum disease being described as a silent disease, and this because the early symptoms can be easy to miss as they don’t cause any pain. Gum disease is caused by plaque bacteria building up in the mouth. These bacteria are present in everyone’s mouth, and most are removed through regular brushing and flossing.

The problems begin if this doesn’t happen. Plaque bacteria will build up on the teeth and gums, producing toxins that irritate the gum tissues. This creates an inflammatory response, causing the gum tissues to become red and inflamed as the body tries to fight the bacteria. At this stage typical symptoms include noticing your gums look a bit red or puffy, or that they feel tender to the touch, or noticing they bleed when brushed. These early stages of gum disease in Leeds are called gingivitis.

Treating Gingivitis

At this stage gum disease or gingivitis can be quite easily treated at Leads City Dental Care. An appointment with Dr. David Brown or one of our other dentists in Leeds will help us assess whether or not you have this condition and if so how far it’s progressed. If caught early enough then we’re likely to recommend you have a professional cleaning with one of ourdental hygienists in our Leeds surgery. This will help remove the hardened plaque bacteria, lessening the inflammation and infection.

If your gums are quite infected then they may need to be deep cleaned. This process is often called scaling and planning, and is more intensive than a normal cleaning. It involves smoothing off any exposed tooth roots as this makes it harder for the plaque bacteria to adhere. After your professional cleaning you’ll be given strict instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums at home. Most people develop this condition because their oral hygiene routine isn’t quite up to scratch, but paying a little bit of extra attention at this stage should mean your gums improve within just a few weeks. It’s vitally important to brush thoroughly twice a day, and to persevere with flossing once a day, even if it initially causes bleeding.

What Happens If Gingivitis Isn’t Treated Promptly?

If gingivitis isn’t caught early on then it can develop into a far more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontal disease is much more difficult to treat, and it may be that we can only offer you therapies designed to keep this disease under control rather than to cure it completely. Treatment is likely to be more invasive and more costly, and is definitely something we prefer our patients to avoid.

This is one of the reasons why Leeds City Dentalcare advocates regular dental checkups. Seeing you every six months enables our dentists to pick up any early signs quickly, so gum disease can be treated effectively, minimising any long-term damage to your gums. It’s also one of the reasons why we like our patients to see a dental hygienist at the same time. Having hardened plaque bacteria regularly removed from the teeth has been proven to be an excellent preventative measure. Certain people are more at risk of developing gum disease, particularly people with existing health conditions that affect the immune system such as diabetes. If we think you are more at risk of developing gum disease we may suggest you come in and see us more frequently.

Dr. David S Brown

Which Type of Crown is best?

Dental crowns are sometimes called caps, and are used to restore teeth that are significantly decayed, or which have lost tooth material due to trauma to full function. This is a conservative dental treatment that helps to preserve the remaining tooth structure. Leeds City Dentalcare can provide crowns made out of several different dental materials. They can be made out of gold, or they can be made out of a metal alloy that’s been covered with porcelain. The newest types of crowns are made out of all ceramic materials and are perfect for cosmetic makeovers.

Which Type of Crown is best?

Some people still prefer to have a gold crown, especially if it’s right at the back of the mouth and can’t really be seen, but many prefer something that blends in with their natural teeth. One choice is to opt for a crown that has a metal alloy substructure that is subsequently covered with porcelain. These create reasonably good aesthetic results, but often lack the translucency seen in natural teeth. This is because the metal substructure has to be covered with porcelain that’s quite thick and opaque, and while this prevents the metal colour from showing through, it also prevents the light from passing through the crown. Another problem that may happen with porcelain fused to metal crowns is that there can often be a grey area or line at the junction where the tooth meets the gum. This occurs because the porcelain is simply too thin in this area to be able to block out the metal.

All-Ceramic Crowns

In comparison all ceramic crowns don’t exhibit any of these problems. The light is able to pass through the crown in a way that is extremely similar to natural teeth. This gives the crown a translucency and vitality that is very similar to natural teeth. Even better, the modern materials used to make these crowns are extremely strong. Many have a substructure made out of a material called zirconia. Other types of all ceramic crowns are made from an ingot of ceramic material that is pressed under vacuum. These kinds of crowns are made at our dental laboratory, and require more than one visit to our Leeds surgery to complete. However Leeds City Dentalcare does offer an alternative type of all-ceramic crown which is made on our premises, and which can be completed in just one visit.

CEREC Crowns

CEREC crowns are pretty amazing, as this system uses the very latest CAD/CAM technology to create a precision-fit crown within a very short space of time. Your tooth is scanned using a tiny infrared camera and the information is sent to highly specialised software that enables Dr. David Brown or another dentist in Leeds to create a virtual crown. After this the information is sent to a machine that mills the crown out of a single block of porcelain. These blocks come in a huge variety of shades and translucencies so in a short space of time you’ll have a beautiful new crown that accurately matches your existing teeth.

Although this system is extremely good, we may not recommend this type of crown in Leeds for all teeth. It is perfect for restoring molars and premolars (the teeth used for chewing), but if you require crowns right in the front of your mouth we may be able to get better results through using conventional all-ceramic crowns, as the shading can be more precise and is more easily customised to create a naturally beautiful smile.